On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a major revision to the priority occupations under the Express Entry targeted draw categories. The system will be redesigned to prioritize top talent and occupations critical to Canada’s economy.

This change is not simply an adjustment to improve processing efficiency for permanent residence applications. Rather, it reflects a strategic shift aimed at addressing labour shortages in key sectors and strengthening Canada’s future workforce.

In this reform, the selection criteria were redesigned to be more clearly defined and strategically focused, centering on the addition of new priority categories and the strengthening of work experience requirements.

1) Four New Targeted Categories Introduced

Beginning in 2026, the following four categories will be added to Express Entry targeted draws:

Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience

Researchers with Canadian Work Experience

Transport Occupations

Skilled Military Recruits

Highly skilled foreign nationals recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces for critical roles such as military doctors, nurses, and pilots.

2) 12 Months of Work Experience Now Required

Previously, candidates needed at least six months of work experience within the three years prior to applying. Under the new rules, a minimum of 12 months of qualifying work experience is required, making eligibility criteria more stringent.

3) Five Existing Categories Retained

In addition to the new categories, IRCC confirmed that the following five categories will continue to be prioritized:

• French-language proficiency (minimum NCLC 7 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking)
• Healthcare and social services occupations
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals
• Skilled trades occupations
• Education occupations
• Physicians with Canadian work experience

4) Agriculture Category Eliminated

The former “Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations” category has been discontinued and will no longer be included in future targeted draws.

5) Cooks Removed from Skilled Trades

The occupation of Cook, which was previously included under the Skilled Trades category, has been removed. As a result, this occupation will no longer be eligible under targeted draws. The Skilled Trades category will now focus primarily on construction-related occupations.

The Canadian government recognizes that immigration accounts for nearly all net labour force growth in Canada. These changes aim to ensure that immigration selection aligns more directly with economic needs.

By prioritizing sectors experiencing acute labour shortages—such as healthcare, transportation, research, and senior management—Canada seeks to enhance regional and national economic competitiveness.

Furthermore, the revised system emphasizes selecting candidates who can integrate quickly into the labour market and contribute from day one.

Minister of Immigration Lena Metlege Diab stated at a press conference:

“Canada’s future depends on a workforce that can adapt to a changing economy. By refining Express Entry, we are supporting regional economic priorities and ensuring newcomers can contribute from day one.”

This reform clearly signals a shift in Express Entry from a “high CRS score–focused” system to one more directly aligned with economic priorities.

In particular, the strengthened requirement of 12 months of Canadian work experience highlights the growing importance of strategic career planning after obtaining a work permit. Building qualifying Canadian experience will now play an even more critical role in permanent residence strategies.

The removal of Cooks and the elimination of the Agriculture category may directly impact many Japanese applicants. At the same time, the clearer prioritization of senior managers and researchers presents new opportunities for professionals who previously found it difficult to qualify under targeted draws.

From 2026 onward, long-term strategic planning—such as selecting the right occupation to gain Canadian experience and identifying the most suitable category—will be more important than ever.

Visa JP Canada continues to monitor these developments closely and provides strategic guidance tailored to each client’s circumstances. If you are uncertain about how these changes may affect your future immigration plans, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation.

This article is a summary prepared by Visa JP Canada based on the official announcement and information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), organized for clarity and ease of understanding.
Sources:
Canada prioritizes top talent in 2026 immigration Express Entry categories (English)
Express Entry – Category-based selection (English)